LET’S PAINT the Holy Week green. As we reflect on Christ’s sufferings, we appeal to the faithful to keep the annual observance as low-carbon and plastic-free as much as possible. As stewards or caretakers of God’s creation, it is our shared responsibility to demonstrate respect for the environment, especially when performing faith-based activities.
We invite the faithful to keep the health and wellness of Mother Earth in mind as faith-inspired acts of prayer, atonement and charity are carried out in our homes, churches and communities. Together, let us use the holy days, as well as the long weekend, to turn away from practices that poison and destroy the environment and the climate with pollutants such as vehicular emissions and plastic chemicals and wastes.
Ecological conversion and solidarity is urgently needed amid the triple planetary emergencies involving climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, which threaten human health and livelihoods and the ecosystems upon which we depend on.
Towards a low carbon, plastic-free Holy Week, practice eco-measures. Turn your back on practices that pollute the environment such as the careless use and disposal of single-use plastics and littering in pilgrimage sites during the Passion Week and after.
Minimize the use of plastic tarpaulins, which may contain toxic cadmium and lead, for announcing Holy Week activities. Politicians should do away with “Happy Easter” plastic banners.
Quiet down and “staycation” at home for a meaningful bonding time with your loved ones. For those going out-of-town, remember: “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”
Observe a litter-free and smoke-free conduct of the Senakulo.
Take public utility vehicles, bike or walk for the Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday. Prioritize churches nearest to you to cut on fuel use and car emissions.
Never litter on the trail to religious shrines. Stay hydrated as you walk in the sun by bringing water in a reusable container.
Add an environmental dimension to your neighborhood’s Via Crucis on Good Friday by picking up litter along the route.
Hail the Risen Christ during the Salubong on Easter Sunday without polluting firecrackers and fireworks, and balloons, too. And keep the Easter fun activities for kids simple and, very importantly, not wasteful.
